Southwest

NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

SOUTHWEST
NETWORKING EVENTS
People meeting

CHAPTER TEAM:

Ramon Dominguez, Dutch Bros.

 

GEO BOARD CHAPTER LIAISON:

Julie Vander Veen, UBS

WELCOME TO THE SOUTHWEST CHAPTER

This local chapter community is dedicated to sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources to help members develop their skills, expand their networks, and make a positive impact in their communities. You will have access to a wide range of valuable resources and opportunities including educational sessions and networking events. 

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people together
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cheers drnks

REGIONAL RESOURCES

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IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
22 September 2026, 10am - 5pm PDT
16TH ANNUAL NORCAL FORUM
norcal

San Mateo, CA 

All plan types
USA

Join your Bay Area equity compensation peers on 22 September at Pinstripes in San Mateo, CA! 

We're bringing you the latest insights on current industry trends and challenges. This is your golden opportunity to stay at the forefront of your field. But it's not just about learning; it's about connecting.

Meet us there to engage with your local NorCal chapter friends and other GEO members. Exchange ideas, build valuable relationships, and fuel your professional growth. 

It's more than an event; it's a vibrant community coming together to inspire, learn, and grow.

LIVE WEBCAST
23 July 2026, 10 - 11am PDT
THE GLOBAL EQUITY GAP: WHY OWNERSHIP DOESN'T ALWAYS TRAVEL
July 2026

Computershare

Finance, tax and accounting
Legal and regulatory
All plan types
Global

Companies often position equity compensation as a cornerstone of their ownership culture—but that promise doesn’t always translate globally. Regulatory complexity, tax considerations, and operational barriers can result in international employees being excluded from share plans or shifted into cash-settled alternatives, creating a disconnect between intention and reality. This session challenges those assumptions and explores what it really means for employees everywhere to own a piece of your company.

We’ll explore the “compliance gap” in cross-border equity and its impact on culture, alignment, and growth. Attendees will gain insight into the realities of balancing global consistency with local requirements, examine whether cash-settled awards truly deliver ownership, and uncover hidden risks while rethinking how to design equity programs that are both globally consistent and locally compliant.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

  • Identify the key regulatory, tax, and operational challenges that create the cross-border equity “compliance gap”
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of cash-settled awards versus equity in delivering true ownership and alignment
  • Apply practical strategies to design globally consistent, locally compliant equity programs


CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

 Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
 Levels: O
 Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
 Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit:1.0 credits *CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.


COST

  • Members: Free access — Live and on-demand
  • Non-members: $85 per webcast — Live and on-demand

Unlock unlimited access! Join GEO from just $375/year and watch every webcast free—live or on-demand plus more member perks!

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
15 July 2026, 2:30 - 4:30pm EDT
NEW YORK CHAPTER MEETING - NEW YORK CITY
NEW YORK CHAPTER

New York

USA

Join us for a deep dive into the GEO Austin 2026 Conference

SPEAKERS: Rob Miceli, Bank of America Merrill Lynch | David Lanka, Bank of America Merrill Lynch 

The New York Chapter is bringing the energy of the annual GEO Conference home to the big apple! Join us as we recreate one of the conference’s fan-favorite interactive sessions and unpack the most important insights from this year's annual conference.

We’ll start with an interactive roundtable, where attendees will share their experiences, standout sessions, and key takeaways. In this recreated, high-energy format, you’ll have the chance to ask questions, challenge ideas, and compare how different companies are responding to emerging trends in global equity—across plan design, compliance, mobility, taxation, technology, and engagement.

Then, we’ll dive into an engaging GEO Austin presentation: “The Equity Games: The Global Stock Plan Showdown.” This lively, game-style session will pit real-world global stock plan approaches against each other, highlighting trade-offs, pitfalls, and best practices in a fun, competitive format.

Whether or not you attended GEO 2026, this session will make you feel like you were in the room—and help you bring fresh thinking back to your organization.

After the meeting, plan to continue the conversation and socialize with fellow members at a nearby location.

Please note: this informal gathering is not a GEO-sponsored event. Additional details will be shared closer to the date.

LOCATION
Aon 
165 Broadway
New York, NY 10006

Thank you to our generous host.
 

Image removed.

REGISTRATION AND COST:
Members and non-members are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required. 

View the event attendee terms and conditions.  

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
16 June 2026, 11:30am - 1:30pm PDT
NORCAL CHAPTER MEETING - SAN FRANCISCO OR SANTA CLARA
norcal chapter

San Francisco, CA

Santa Clara, CA

USA

Join the AI Club for Equity with the GEO NorCal Chapter!

Speakers: Tara Hagen, Aon | Kate Hall, Aon | Kelcie Urstad, Aon | Lamont Walker, Applied Intunition

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the equity compensation landscape, creating both new opportunities and new challenges for equity professionals. From streamlining day-to-day administration to reshaping talent markets and compensation strategies, AI is becoming an increasingly important topic across the industry.

Join the “AI Club for Equity” session, live in San Francisco and streamed in Santa Clara, where industry practitioners will share practical insights into how AI is currently being used — and where its limitations still exist — within equity administration and operations.

The session will also explore emerging data on AI-related talent premiums and examine how companies are adapting equity plan design to attract and retain AI-critical talent across both private and public organisations.

Designed as an interactive and forward-looking discussion, this session will provide attendees with practical examples, market perspectives, and valuable peer insights into one of the most significant shifts currently impacting the equity compensation profession.

LOCATIONS: 
Aon - Santa Clara (Streamed)
3979 Freedom Cir #620
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Aon - San Francisco (Live)
425 Market St., #2800
San Francisco, CA 94105

Thank you to our generous host and sponsor:

 Image removed.

REGISTRATION AND COST:
Members and non-members are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required. 

View the event attendee terms and conditions.  

ARTICLE
13 May 2026
IPO READINESS: EXECUTIVE EQUITY COMPENSATION CHECKLIST
External News

J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions

Private and pre-IPO companies
Executive plans
Global

An IPO marks a major shift for executive compensation, bringing new stakeholders, stricter regulations, disclosure requirements, and trading restrictions tied to material non-public information (MNPI). To prepare, companies should establish a compensation committee, create a strong benchmarking peer group, review equity plans, define a clear compensation philosophy, and ensure compliance with evolving pay transparency and market abuse regulations. Executive education is also critical, as IPO-related equity compensation, lockups, blackout periods, and trading rules can be complex and may limit executives’ ability to access liquidity even after going public.

ARTICLE
7 May 2026
AFTER SPACEX IPO, JEFF BEZOS' NEW BLUE ORIGIN SHARE PLAN
External News

The Times of India 

Case Study
All plan types
USA

Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space company, has introduced a new employee stock incentive plan aimed at addressing worker dissatisfaction and improving morale, especially as competitors like SpaceX offer more lucrative equity outcomes. The changes follow employee complaints about earlier stock option programs that often failed to pay out unless an IPO or company sale occurred, leaving many options effectively worthless. The revised plan expands payout triggers, such as external funding rounds and tender offers, and is intended to make compensation more competitive while retaining talent amid intense rivalry in the space industry.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
13 August 2026, 4 - 6:30pm MDT
GREATER ROCKIES CHAPTER MEETING - TAYLORSVILLE
august utah

Taylorsville, UT

Trending now
All plan types
USA

Greater Rockies Chapter Equity Compensation Event and BBQ Social

We’re excited to invite you to a unique Greater Rockies Chapter gathering—an engaging and insightful session followed by a relaxed BBQ social. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and enjoy a more informal networking experience.

SPEAKERS: Lenka Haase, Fidelity; | Andrew Barrus, Procore Technologies|  Amberly Fullmer, Reddit | Michael McComas, Morgan Stanley | Adam McDonald, Insightsoftware

Join us for a thought-provoking session designed to equip you with the latest insights and strategies in the ever-evolving world of equity compensation. We’ll explore key trends, best practices, and proven approaches to help you optimise your programmes and elevate your impact as an equity leader.

Expect practical, actionable takeaways that you can immediately apply to navigate challenges and drive meaningful results in your role.

A special thank you to Andrew Barrus and the Greater Rockies Chapter team for graciously hosting this event at Andrew’s home—creating a welcoming and collaborative environment for learning and connection.

Following the session, stay and unwind at our BBQ social. Food and drinks will be provided, and while you’re welcome to bring something to share, there’s absolutely no obligation—just come along, relax, and enjoy the conversation.

We look forward to seeing you there!

LOCATION
Andrew's House
1140 W Turnberry Way
Taylorsville, UT 84123

1140 W 4720 S, Taylorsville, UT

REGISTRATION AND COST
Members and non-members are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required. 
View the event attendee terms and conditions.

IN-PERSON CONFERENCE
22 April 2026, 7 - 11:59pm CDT
25TH GEO AWARDS
GEO Awards

AUSTIN, TX

All plan types
Global

ATTEND THE 25TH GEO AWARDS GALA

Join the global share plan community in Austin, Texas on 22 April 2026 as we celebrate the 25th GEO Awards.

This milestone event will take place in the Lone Star Ballroom of the JW Marriott Austin, where we will honor the most innovative and impactful share plan and executive compensation strategies from around the world.

The celebration continues with an exclusive after party at The Edge rooftop, offering spectacular views and the perfect setting to connect with peers and friends across the GEO community.

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!

IN-PERSON CONFERENCE
21 April 2026, 7am - 23 April 2026, 5pm CDT
GEO'S 27TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Austin

AUSTIN, TX

All plan types
Global

JOIN THE GLOBAL SHARE PLAN COMMUNITY AT GEO'S 27TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

On 21 - 23 April 2026 more than 350+ global share plan and executive compensation professionals, company directors, senior managers, stock plan, HR, reward and benefits professionals will fill the halls at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas.

Our flagship conference is where the best equity minds meet. It brings together academics, thought leaders, stock plan experts and policy makers from across the globe to explore best practice in equity compensation and work together to drive a vision for future employee share ownership.

Unlock a world of possibilities – igniting inspiration regardless of your experience!

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!

CHAPTER DISCUSSION BOARD

GEO members in your area can come together to engage in meaningful discussions, share ideas, ask questions, and connect with fellow members who share similar interests via GEOconnect. Whether you're a long-time member or a newcomer, we encourage you to participate and contribute to the vibrant discussions happening here.

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBERS ONLY

PAST EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Access details of past local events and their materials. Whether you missed an event or want to revisit the content, our community discussion board provides a platform to access event information, including presentations, videos, and discussions. 

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBERS ONLY

REGIONAL NEWS AND INSIGHTS

Explore the GEO Insights area, where you can filter by region to access the latest events, articles, survey findings, and reports. Stay updated with the latest information and insights specific to your region, and gain valuable knowledge from our curated content. 

AVAILABLE TO GEOS MEMBER ONLY
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The future of global share ownership